lymphophilic
|lym-pho-phil-ic|
/ˌlɪm.fəˈfɪl.ɪk/
affinity for lymph
Etymology
'lymphophilic' originates from New Latin/Greek compounds, specifically the combining form 'lympho-' (ultimately from Latin 'lympha', meaning 'water/lymph') and Greek 'philos', where 'philos' meant 'loving'.
'lymphophilic' developed as a scientific formation from New Latin/Greek elements (compare New Latin forms such as 'lymphophilus') and entered English in modern medical usage as 'lymphophilic'.
Initially it signified 'having an affinity for lymph (or watery fluid)', but over time it has come to be used specifically for 'having an affinity for or tending to involve lymphatic tissue, lymph nodes, or lymphocytes'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having an affinity for lymph or lymphatic tissue; tending to associate with or be found in lymph or lymphoid structures.
The tumor was lymphophilic and frequently involved regional lymph nodes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
(of organisms, cells, or pathogens) Preferring or targeting lymphoid tissues or lymphocytes; showing a tendency to localize in lymphatic structures.
A lymphophilic virus preferentially infects lymphoid tissues.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/21 00:56